To His Excellency, Governor Silas A. Holcomb: 



796 
3 N3 
py 1 



REPORT OF THE 

Nebraska State Commission 

FOR THE 

Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 




Held in Omaha, June I fo November 1, 1898. 



REPORT 



-OF THE- 



Nebraska State Commission 



-FOR THE- 



Trans-Mississippi and International 
Exposition. 



1898: 

OMAHA PRINTING CO., 

Omaha, Neb. 



1' 



..'i-' 



f^ 



TMP96-024789 



Dec. 3d, 1898. 
To His Excellency, the Governor: — 

We. the niembei's of the Nebraska State Board of Directors 
for the Trans-Mississippi and Intei*national Exposition, beg 
leave to submit the following report of our actions from the 
time of our organization up to the close of the said Exposition, 
and subsequent relinquishment of the property acquired by the 
Board to the Commissioner of Public Lands and Buildings: 

We believed that if the Trans-Mississippi and International 
Exposition came up to the standard set for it by its promoters, 
it would furnish a supreme opporunity for the State by a cred- 
itable showing of its immense and varied resou.rces, especially 
as developed by its crop of 1897, to more permanently establish 
its rights to be placed among the foremost States of the Union 
in the production of Live Stock, Cereals and Fruits. 

Along with these chief products, we knew that in many 
other lines of industry we were capable of vieing with any, and 
strove to bring prominently forward our Apiary, Dairy, and 
Flower and Shrub interests. 

Besides these, in Educational matters we realized that the 
State had taken high rank as having the lowest percentage of 
illiteracy among its inhabitants of any State in the Union, and 
in order to sustain and advance our standard we must makt 
an excellent showing of the work that was being done under 
our system of common and graded schools, our colleges and 
Universities. 

With this outline of the work in hand before us, we began 
the task of working out the details of our plan. 

The Board held its first meeting at Lincoln, on July 13th, 
1897. and organized under the law, by the selection of William 
Neville as President, W. A. Poynter as Vice President, C. D. 
Casper, Secretary. After this meeting the Board established 
its headquarters and held its meetings at Omaha. For the first 
four months headquarters were maintained in the Dellone Hotel 
Annex, except during State Fair week when, through the cour- 
tesy of the State Board of Agriculture, they were temporarily 
kept at the State Fair Grounds. During the remainder of the 
time till the opening of the Exposition they were established 
in the Millard Hotel. 



REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 



The headquarters were placed in charge of Hon. W. H. 
Bearing of Plattsmouth, who was chosen Assistant Secretary 
for the Board, with Miss Nellie O'Rourke as stenographer and 
Dan Althen as book-keeper, to assist in the transaction of bus- 
iness and keeping the records. Dr. Dearing severed his connection 
with the Board as Assistant Secretary on March 1st, 1898, 
to accept a more lucrative ppsition. Mr. J. N. Campbell of Full- 
erton, was elected to fill the vacancy on March 9th, and took 
immediate charge. The duties of the ofBce in the interim were 
performed by Mr. Althen. 

The first matter to which we turned our attention was to 
understand the scope of our privileges and duties under the 
special law providing for a State's display at the Trans-Missis- 
sippi and International Exposition. 

While awaiting the fulfillment of that portion of the law 
which predicated our State display upon the requirement that 
our appropriation should not become available until the Ex- 
position management had collected |200,000 cash from its sub- 
scribers — which contingency we believed to be sure of fulfill- 
ment — we began the preliminary work by interviewing the rep- 
resentatives of various interests desiring recognition. We also 
gave our minds to the consideration of the possibilities before 
us in the work of providing for an exhibition of the State's 
resources which, while giving a creditable exposition of its 
main features, would also suggest to careful observers the mul- 
tiplicity of its attractions, and adaptability as a State to the 
requirements of civilization in its highest form. 

We were estopped from constructing an exhibit building 
for our State by the rules of the Exposition Company govern- 
ing entries, which required that all exhibitors, State or individ- 
ual, must purchase space in the various department buildings 
for that purpose, from the corporation. 

In the matter of providing space for our various exhibits 
in the exhibit buildings of the Exposition Company, we held 
repeated conferences with the management, but without satis- 
factory result, until a committee consisting of Messrs. Poynter, 
Dutton and Whitford was appointed to bring the question to 
a conclusion. This was one of the most vital points which the 
Board had to consider before being able to lay definite plans 
for the future. 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 



The Committee, at our meeting of November 23rd, 1897, 
submitted the following report which was adopted as the best 
solution of the difficultj^ to be obtained: — 

Omaha, Neb., Nov. 23rd., 1897. 
"Mr. President: — 

Your committee appointed to arrange with the Trans-Mis- 
sissippi and International Exposition Company for space for ex- 
hibition purposes at the Trans-Mississippi Exposition, would 
respectfully rejiort that we have conferred with the Executive 
Committee of the Exposition Company and agreed, subject to, 
the approval of the State Directors: 

1st. That the Exposition Company make no charge foi 
ground .space for Nebraska Building. 

2nd. That the Exposition Company furnish all the space in 
each of the dei)artments of Exhibits Avhich may be required to 
properly exhibit the State of Nebraska as specified hj us in 
memorandum hereto attached, for the sum of $22,000. 

EXHIBIT "A." 

Horticulture 7 3290 square feet. 

Agriculture 11()72 " '' 

Dairy 500 refrigeration. 

Dairv 1000 square feet. 

Poultrv 2.300 '' 

Apiary , 700 " 

Educational and Forestry .... 10200 " 

Live Stock 10000 " 

Miscellaneous 1000 " 

Signed: 

W. A. POYNTER, 
WILL M. OUTTON, 
C. A. WHITFORD, 

Committee. 
Received application for above space. 

Signed: E. E. BRUCE, 

Mgr. Exhibits. 
ll-24-'97." 

The day following vouchers to cover the amount of |22,000 
to the Exposition Company were issued, and this important 
phase of our work was disposed of. 

It was early decided that from the abundance of the im- 



REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 



mense crop of 1897 we would gather supplies of all cbaracterb 
with which to maintain our State exhibit during the first two 
months of the Exposition. 

In order to do this, our work was divided into depart- 
ments that it might proceed with some system and thoroughness. 
Agriculture, Horticulture, Dairy, Poultry, Apiary, Live Stock, 
Floriculture and Education were all looked after separately 
by Superintendents appointed under the State Directors. 
Through these Superintendents our lines were cast out through 
the State for the collection of the very best material to be found 
representing our State products. 

Mr. E. D. Johnson, of Lexington, was chosen Superintend- 
ent of the Agricultural Dei)artment on August 10th. 1897. ano 
authorized to proceed with his work by visiting the County 
Fairs during the fall months, and obtain from their exhibits 
the choicest samples of our farm products, and preserve them 
through the winter for exhibition purposes early in the '98 
season. He was indefatigable in his work, and not only accum- 
ulated a fine collection of material for a State exhibit, but in- 
duced several of the Counties to make County displays in our 
space. 

Peter Youngers, Jr., of Geneva, Neb., was elected as the 
Board's Superintendent of Horticulture. Being one of the lead- 
ing authorities in the State in that line, and travel- 
ing extensiveh' as the head i*epresentative of a large nursery 
companj', his efforts in behalf of the fruit interests of our State 
were highly successful as evidenced by the splendid showing 
of fruits which was made by Nebraska from the opening day of 
the Exposition, and maintained with increased credit to the 
close. 

The Poultrymen's Association petitioning the Board that a 
head be chosen for their department with whom they might 
proceed to arrange for an exhibit, Mr. E. A. Pegler of Lincoln, 
was elected on August 11th, 1897, to fill that position. Mr. 
Pegler conducted the work in a highly satisfactory manner 
until in April of 1898, when private business interests inter- 
ferred with his labor, and he resigned. Mr. D. J. Richards of 
Omaha, was selected to fill the vacancy on the recommendation 
of the Association, and creditably carried out the work already 
begun. 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 



Mr. L. D. Stilson of York, was elected Superintendent of 
the Apiary Department at the meeting of August 11th, 1897. 
He immediate!}' entered upon the preliminary work of locating 
and purchasing material for the exhibit, and did this so thor- 
oughly that we were enabled to make as fine a showing of 
Apiary products from the beginning of the Exposition to the 
close, as was ever presented before the people of the West. 
We know that this exhibit has stimulated bee culture to a re- 
markable degree in our State, demonstrating the benefit to be 
gained from an intelligent, scientific control of the energy of 
the proverbial "Busy Bee." 

The Live Stock show lasted one month beginning with the 
1st of October. It was necessary, though, in preparing for it, 
that prospective exhibitors should be notified early in the spring 
in order to give them time to prepare their stock for entries. 
Our Superintendent, Mr. Foster of Saltillo, Neb., did all the 
work of managing this department without an assistant. He 
was untiring in his efforts, and is deserving of great credit for 
the magnificent display of fine stock gathered from all over our 
State. 

Mr. L. C. Chapin of Lincoln, was elected as Superintendent 
of our Floricultural Department. Having an extensive ac- 
quaintance with the florists of the State, he was able to com- 
mand their support in his plans for a representative floral dis- 
play. His artistic arrangement of the flowers and shrubs in the 
center of the Horticultural Building was a notable attraction 
for all visitors. 

At the meeting of the Board on Dec. 15th, 1897, the Dairy 
interests of the State, represented that it was time for the in- 
ception of the work in that Deparment. On the recommenda- 
tion of their State Association, Mr. B. R. Stouffer of Bellevue, 
was elected as Superintendent of the Dairy Department. His 
plans for a Dairy Exhibit were frustrated by the fact that 
the refrigeration that was to be supplied in the Dairy Building 
by the Exposition Company was not furnished until the latter 
part of August. After this necessary convenience was put in 
Mr. Stouffer installed and maintained an exhibit which strik- 
ingly represented the magnitude and importance of our Dairy 
industry. 

In looking over the field for the choice of a Superintendent 



8 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

of the Educational work, the Board was animated by a desire to 
procure the services of some one in close touch with the variea 
school interests of the State. Finally, on November 10th, 1897, 
we selected the State Superintendent' of Public Instruction ass 
being best equipped, by reason of his position, to enlist the 
sympathies and arouse the ambitions of the educators of our 
State in the determination to make a thoroughly representative 
exhibition of our educational interests. As the manager to di- 
rect the work of putting up and renewing the exhibit at Omaha, 
Mr. C. W. Stewart of Alma, Neb. was selected. 

Nebraska's ambition to attain to an educatinal standard 
par excellence has been stimulated by its phenomenal success 
during its history as a State. The Commission having this in 
mind in arranging for an educational exhibit, was determined 
that in the educational display Nebraska should not be out- 
ranked by any State. We were not disappointed in our plans. 

Mr. Jackson, by his unremitting efforts, inspired the edu- 
cators of our State with enthusiasm in the work. Mr. Stewart 
devoted himself to the task of planning and constructing this 
vast exhibit. The result obtained gave ample evidence of his 
excellent taste and superior judgment. In general design, in 
detail, and in association of all its parts, the Educational dis- 
play of Nebraska at the Trans-Mississippi Exposition was pro- 
nounced by the leading Educational experts in the country to 
be one of the best ever shown in the United States. The effect 
of such a display upon visitors from all over our land will be 
to enlarge their respect for the culture and attainments of the 
people living in the Trans-Mississippi section, bringing special 
attention to Nebraska as its nucleus. 

It is pertinent here to state that we were induced by the 
Chancellor to put forth a special effort in behalf of our Uni- 
versity. There being no funds available in the Universitj 
moneys to use in making a display, the Board paid the expense 
of preparing, moving and installing this exhibit. The amount 
required was |799.77. There was a further expense of taking 
down and returning, the same amounting to $190.2.3 making 
a total of f 990.00 expended on the University exhibit. Through 
the untiring efforts of Professor E. H. Barbour in superintend- 
ing this work for the University, a showing commensurate with 
its standing, as second to none in the west, was made for this 
great institution. 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 9 



In leoognitiou of the excellence of the displays made, the 
Exposition Committee on Awards gave us a total of 127 di- 
plomas with medals, and 125 diplomas of honorable mention. 
This does not include the 15 diplomas awarded to Douglas 
County for the exhibits maintained on her account. -This ws 
believe to be the greatest number received by any State. The 
State received the highest award on its Horticultural display, 
and the gold medals on its Agricultural and Floricultural ex- 
hibits. 

As an appendix to this report we give the reports of the 
Superintendents of the various departments, made to your Com- 
mission at the close of their labors. 

The work of the Commission, through its different depart- 
ments, was carried through the winter without placing any 
special limit on the expense of making what preparation was 
needed. However, when the spring work actively began, we 
called upon our corps of Superintendents to furnish detailed 
estimates of the amounts necessary to defray the expenses of 
installing and maintaining their exhibits from the 1st of April 
to the close. These several reports were submitted at our meet- 
ing March 22d. Taking these estimates as a basis, together with 
the contemplated outlay of funds in other directions, and re- 
serving for contingent expenses about $7,000, an approximate 
4;stimate was made for an equitable distribution of the balance 
remaining among the several departments. In this way provi- 
sion was made against the possibility of being confronted, to 
vrard the close of the Exposition, with the choice of crippling 
our exhibits of creating a deficiency in our funds. 

In accordance with the prevailing custom at former Ex 
positions, the management of this one set aside a portion ol 
their grounds, known as the "Bluff Tract," where such States 
as desired could be represented by a State Building. Nebraska 
had been favored preeminently by having her metropolis chosen 
as the location for the great Trans-Mississippi and International 
Exposition. 

The local benefit was to be all ours, while our proportionate 
share of the general benefits to the Trans-Mississippi country 
would be greater than that of any other State by reason of the 
proximity of our territory to the Exposition. These advantages, 
however, carried with them responsibilities which must not be 



10 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

avoided. Nebraska was the home State of the Exposition. 
She must show hex' faith in the success of the great enterprise 
by her works. If our State was indolent other States would 
be deterred from taking part altogether, or encouraged to make 
but a feeble effort. 

So besides early instituting our plans for gathering and 
preparing our exhibits, we deemed it advisable to begin at once 
the erection of a building upon the Exposition grounds 
to be used as a social and business headquarters for our State. 
We believed that the requirements of the situation demanded 
this. We believed, also, that such a building when completed 
should not only be placed at the disposal of the people of Ne- 
braska but that its accommodations should be placed at the ser- 
vice of the people from all states, and especially those not rep- 
resented on the grounds by a State Building. 

Our building was erected with these requirements in view, 
and the success attending the project was ample justification 
of this move on our part. 

The plans submitted for a State Building by the firm ol 
Craddock & McDonald were adopted, and they were voted three 
per cent of its cost, when completed, for their work as archi- 
tects. Mr. George Blake was selected as Superintendent of 
Construction, with Mr. J. E. Knowles as assistant. The Wyatt- 
Bullard Lumber Company making the lowest bid, was given 
the contract of furnishing the lumber. 

The carpenter work on the building was done by day labor,, 
the workmen being brought in from different parts of the State. 
At the outset the Board adopted the following resolution bear- 
ing upon the scale of wages which should govern: 

"Moved by Mr. Dutton, that this Board adopt the scale of 
wages for skilled labor which now obtains in the labor unions in. 
the city of Omaha to conform with the law, which itself fixes 
the minimum scale of wages for unskilled labor. Motion car- 
ried." 

When the ijlaster work was being done on the building,, 
there being some dissatisfaction expressed by representatives of 
the labor unions over the scale of wages being paid by our con- 
tractors, the following supplementarj^ action was had by the 
Board which we believe finally settled all doubts as to the posi- 
tion which the Board held towards organized labor. 



TRANS MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 11 

Kesolution by Mr. Poynter: "Inasuiiu'h as there seems to 
be a misunderstanding between the State Board of Directors 
and the Omaha Trades' Union in the matter of wages to be paid 
workmen on the contract for plastering, therefore, Resolved, 
That the Assistant Secretary be instructed to confer with the 
contractors, and insist that they pay the plasterers on their con 
tract the rate of wages then in vogue in the city of (,>maha 
adopted by the Omaha Trades' Union." 

Mr. Dutton offered the following resolution, which was 
unanimously adopted: 

"Resolved that in future contracts made by the Board that 
the scale of wages for skilled labor adopted by the Omaha 
Trades' Union shall govern." 

The attitude of the Board thus being clearly defined, there 
were no further complaints. 

The work on the State Building commenced the last week 
in September, and was pushed to completion as fast as practic- 
able. The contract for staff and plastering was let in Decem- 
ber to Kimball Brothers of Lincoln for |4,800. Hester & Mc- 
Caslin of same place getting the work of plastering as sub-con- 
tractors. 

Adverse weather conditions prevailed to such an extent 
that during a large part of the winter months the workmen 
were laid off", and progress delaj-ed, so that the building was only 
completed, ready for the decorations and furnishings the latter 
part of April. The same firm of Kimball Bros, were given a 
further contract of placing statuary on the building at a cost ol 
f 1,200. The figures were of heroic size. The central one ii, 
front represented "Nebraska Welcoming the World," while four 
groups representing "Agriculture," "Horticulture," "Commerce" 
and "^'Manufacturers," were placed on the four corners around 
the large dome. They added much to the dignified appearance 
of the building. 

The Western Electrical Company fitted the building with 
wiring, and fixtures for 118 incandescent 16-candle-power lamps, 
and one arc light, all for inside lighting, at a total cost of $330,- 
00. The power for lighting purposes was obtained from the 
power plant of the Exposition Company for |226.80 per month, 
or a total for the five months of |1,134.00. 

The outside of the building being somewhat spotted with 



12 REPORT OP THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

weather stains in the spring, Mr. A. B. Bender, of Albion, was 
given the work of tinting it under contract for |372.00 The 
color chosen was becoming, and gave the building a finished ap- 
pearance comporting well with is surroundings. 

After completion, the inside decoration and furnishings 
of the building was given into the hands of Miss Mellona Butter- 
field, and artist of Omaha, whose fame was not limited by Stat( 
boundaries. Although circumscribed by a Imited appropriation 
of f 1,.')00 for the purpose, she accomplished the work in a manner 
satisfactory to the Commission, and highly creditable to the 
State. 

The site for a State Building was selected, giving a fine 
view of the Missouri Valley and bluffs on the east, making a 
choice location. 

In our first plan we decided to erect a building at a cost not 
to exceed |16,000, but as the magnitude of the Exposition be- 
came more apparent we enlarged our estimate so that when fin- 
ished it approximated a total expense of |26,000, including the 
lighting fixtures, fountain in center, and plumbing for sewer- 
age and water connections. 

In dimensions it stood 90 feet wide by 140 feet deep, and 
36 feet high, with dome surmounting center 60 feet across and 
58 feet high. A small dome ornamented each of the four corners 
of the building. 

Although we knew that our building was to serve its pur- 
pose through only one season, in planning for its erection we 
deemed it wise to build it perfectly safe and substantial. In its 
construction the foundation timbers were of the best, and the 
dome, being one of the largest in the State, it was necessaril) 
made strong. 

The outside was boarded with No. 1 sheeting over which a 
double coating of heavy plastering was laid. The inside work 
was of a permanent nature, giving the building, as it deserved, 
the credit of being the best constructed one on the Exposition 
grounds. While the expense of making it so may be condemned 
by many as useless, we believe that the situation demanded that 
our State should be represented by a building that would give 
some idea of stability and dignity, rather than to have a make- 
shift that would excite ridicule, and provoke disgust among 
the people. 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 13 

The center of tbe main floor was utilized as a large aud- 
itorium. On the second floor a large balconj' extended clear 
around and overlooked the auditorium. The auditorium and 
balcony, with two porch openings above and two below, all 
liberally provided with settees and benches, making a very at- 
tractive and comfortable I'esting place for the people. 

There were twelve rooms of various dimensions ranged 
around the building on each floor, which were used for recep- 
tion, waiting and office purposes. Four small rooms on the 
first floor were designated severally as Postoflflce, Telephone, 
Registry and Intelligence offices. One large room on the same 
floor was used for free checking of baggage. The appreciatiob 
of the people for these needful accommodations was a flatter- 
ing testimonial of the wisdom of the Board in providing 
them. 

The large, Auditorium was frequently utilized by different 
organizations of this and other States in holding their ceremon- 
ial exercises. On such occasion the building was placed at their 
disposal for headquarters. This hospitality was highly appre- 
ciated, and undoubtedly increased very much the social renown 
of the State. 

For social purposes, where we endeavored as the home 
State of the Expositon to extend the courtesies of a host to all 
visitors, we feel sure that our efforts were crowned with unqual- 
ified success. It is but justice here to say that this gratifying 
result was attained largely by the efficiency of the cori^s of em 
ployees kept on duty in various capacities throughout the season 
This list, including the office force, numbered about twenty 
people, which, though seeming large, was none too many to 
keep the building presentable, and to properly accommodate 
the great number of people who daily made it their temporary 
home. 

June 14th, 1898 was, at our request, set apart as a "Special 
Day" by the Exposition management for the formal dedication 
of the Nebraska Building for the purposes for which it was in- 
tended. All our arrangements for its commemoration were 
happily carried out. 

October 19th, 1898, was also a day set apart and observed as 
"Nebraska Day." The exercises were held in the Exposition 
Auditorium. Open headquarters were maintained at the Ne- 



14 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

t)iaska Building where a reception was held and badges were dis- 
tributed. Our exhibits were arranged in the most attractive 
and impressive forms. The efforts put forth by the CommissioL, 
to make this day a memorable one, wex^e fairly successful. 

SOD HOUSE. 

At the meeting on March 9th, 1898, the Board set apart 
1500.00 to build and maintain a Sod House on the Exposition 
(grounds just by the east side of the State Building. The idea 
was to emphasize by contrast the material development of our 
Rtate during its thirty years of Statehood, by having the Sod 
House as a typical pioneer home in juxtaposition with the Ne- 
braska Building representing our present comfortable resi- 
dences. 

The success of this exemplification of our advancement was 
noteworthy as attested by the remarkable interest in the Sod 
House manifested by all visitors coming to the State Building 
or to that part of the grounds. 

The details of building and maintaining this exhibit was 
placed in the hands of Mrs. Bowser, of Norfolk. Having resided 
on the prairies of Nebraska for years, and living in a sod house 
a part of the time, she was peculiarly fitted for managing this 
work, and the Board feel well satisfied with the manner in 
which she performed her duty. 

CERAMIC CLUB. 

The Ceramic Club of Omaha was given |300.00 by the Board 
to assist them in placing an exhibit in the west gallery of the 
Liberal Arts Building, consisting of the choicest products of the 
skill of Omaha artists in china decoration. 

The showing made by this organization of the ability and 
taste of its members was very creditable, and has done much to 
dispel the erroneous idea that the west contains no talent in 
this direction. 

MODEL KITCHEN. 

The proposition presented to the Board by Mrs. McMurphy 
of Omaha that we should join with the Miller's Association of 
the State in the maintainance of a "Model Kitchen" in connec- 
tion with our Agricultural Department, was given favorable 
consideration. Five hundred dollars was set apart for the pur- 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 15 



pose, and used by^Mrs. McMnrphy as proprietress in the payment 
of help in the Kitchen. 

The Model Kitchen occupied a booth twenty feet square in 
the center of the Agricultural Building, and throughout the sea- 
son Mrs. McIMurphy gave free lectures and practical demonstra- 
tions of the multiplied ways in which our cereal products could 
be prepared for nutritious food for human consumption. 

As showing the satisfactory results obtained from the work, 
the Board at its last meeting adopted the following resolution: 

"Resolved, That it is the sense of this Board that their ex- 
penditure of |500 toward the maintenance of the Model Kitchen 
in the Agricultural Department has been as beneficial to the 
State in the way of advertisment of its products as any outlay 
of like amount in any of the departments. We further realize 
that this splendid showing is due to the tact and talent of Mrs. 
McMurphA', proprietress of the Model Kitchen, in her practical 
cooking demonstrations and instructive lectures showing the 
variety of nutritious and palatable food products which can be 
manufactured from our cereals." 

Below we present a report of the financial transactions of 
the Board in the expenditure of the appropriation. This gives 
for each month since we began, the amount expended in each de- 
partment, w^hich conveys some idea of how the work progressed: 

Officers' salaries and employes' wages 

from July 26 to Aug. 31, 1898. .$ 721.98 

Furniture and fixtures " " 159.54 

Office supplies, current expense " " 125.35 

Construction " " 59.50 

Agricultural Exhibits "- " 98.83 

Postage account " " 50.00 

Total $ 1215.20 
Unexpended balance, $98784.80. 

Officers' salaries and employes' wages for September, 1897 $ 487.50 

Office supplies " " 58.20 

Agricultural exhibit " " 65.00 

Construction " " 91.00 



Total $ 701.70 
Unexpended balance, $98083.10. 

Officers' salaries and employes' wages for October, 1897 $ 487. 50 

Office supplies " " 82.10 

Construction " " 4248.05 

Agricultural exhibit " " 429.55 

Apiary exhibit " " 56.77 

Poultry exhibit " " 21.15 

Live stock exhibit " " 32.32 

Space account " " 3560.25 

Total $ 8917.69 



16 



KEPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 



Unexpended balance, $89165.41. 








Officers' salaries and employes' 


wages 


for November, 1897 


$487.50 


Office supplies 






86.72 


Construction 






2856.85 


Agricultural exhibit 






4214.75 


Horticultural exhibit 






2116.20 


Apiary exhibit 






391.31 


Live stock exhibit 






5000.00 


Dairy exhibiit 






750.00 


Floricultural exhibit 






43.50 


Educational exhibit 






5100.00 


Poultry exhibit 






1250.00 


Postage 






50.00 






Total 


$22346.83 


Unexpended balance, $66818.58. 








Officers' salaries and employes' 


wages 


for December, 1897 


$ 487.50 


Office supplies 








50.90 


Construction 








2240.44 


Agricultural department 








78.90 


Horticultural department 








375.53 


Apiary department 








3.52 


Educational department 




<i (, 


100.00 






Total 


$ 3337.69 


Unexpended balance, $63480.89. 








Officers' salaries and employes' 


wages for January, 1898 


$ 487.50 


Office supplies 








165.57 


Construction 








3122.75 


Agricultural department 








40.70 


Horticultural department 








148.93 


Apiary department 








33.68 


Dive stock department 








26.83 


Dairy department 








3.20 


Poultry department 








3.20 


Floriculture department 








40.70 


Educational department 




" " 


94.09 






Total 


$ 4167.15 


Unexpended balance, $59313.74. 








Officers' salaries and employes' wages for February, 1898 


$ 487.50 


Office supplies 








41.70 


Construction 








2886.13 


Agricultural department 








88.62 


Horticultural department 








98.95 


Poultry department 








7.00 


Floricultural department 








34.40 


Educational department 




Total 


9L96 




$ 3736.26 


Unexpended balance, $55577.48. 








Officers' salaries and employes' 


wages 


for March, 1898 


$ 477.50 


Office supplies and current expense 






4L85 


Construction 








5948.20 


Agricultural department 








157.55 


Horticultural department 








40.00 


Live stock department 








28.48 


Floricultural department 








70.00 


Educational department 








65.00 


Postage 








50.00 


Decoration of state building 








32.50 










Total 


$ 6911.08 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 



17 



Unexpended balance, $48666.40 

Officers' salaries and employes' wages for April, 1898 

Office supplies 

Construction 

Agricultural department 

Horticultural department 

Apiary department 

Live stock department 

Dairy department 

Poultry department 

Floriculture department 

Educational department 

Building employes 

Sod house 

Decoration state building 



Unexpended balance, ?44144.63, 

OfHcers' salaries and employes' wages for May, 1898 

Furniture and fixtures 

Current expense 

Construction 

Agricultural department 

Horticultural department 

Apiary department 

Live stock department 

Dairy department 

Poultry department 

Floriculture department 

Bducational department 

Building employes 

Sod house 

Decoration state building 

Total 
Unexpended balance. $39503.63. 

Officers' salaries and employes' wages for June, 1898. 
Furniture and fixtures 
Current expense 
Agricultural department 
Horticultural department 
Apiary department 
Live stock department 
Dairy department 
Poultry department 
Floriculture department 
Educational department 
Postap;e 

Building employes 
Sod house 

Decorations of state building 
Nebraska cereal cooking school 
Nebraska Creamic club 

Total 
Unexpended balance, $29734.85. 
Officers' salaries and employes' wages for July, 1898 
Furniture and fixtures " " 

Current expense account " 

Construction " 

Agricultural department " " 



512.50 

59.00 

2652.58 

342.99 

71 00 

74.00 

35.30 

1 50 

1.00 

131.45 

130.35 

125.50 

70.00 

314.60 



Total 


$ 4521.77 


r May, 1898 


$ 512.50 




65 96 




71.38 




976.52 




502 76 




138.15 




277.09 




71.00 




130,00 


*' ' " 


32 50 




170.25 




115L95 




344.84 




126.90 




69.20 



$ 464L0O 



$ 



512.50 

27.00 

514.68 

652.02 

953.79 

579.11 

65.00 

164.83 

327.65 

813.88 

1539.44 

60.00 

953.83 

254 62 

1045.74 

200.00 

300.GQ 

$ 9768T78 

$ 512.50 
88.95 

384.70 
83.3') 

274.97 



18 



REPORT OP THE NEBRASKA BOARD. 



Horicultural department 

Apiary department 

Live stock department 

DaiTy department 

Poultrj'- department 

Floricultural department 

Educational department 

Boiilding employes 

Sod house 

Decoration of state building 

Nebraska cereal cooking department 

Attractions 

Repairs and improvements 



for July, 1898, 



$590.55 
233.65 

91.80 
109.13 
123.45 
171.75 
587.83 
971.00 

48.48 
200.00 
100.00 

37.00 
120.03 



Total $ 4649.09 

Unexpended balance, $25085.76. 

Officers' salaries and employes' wages for August, 1898 $ 512.50 

Furniture and fixtures " " 29.00 

Current expense account " " 270.18 

Construction " " 4.00 

Agricultural department " " 242.10 

Horticultural department " " 674.61 

Apiary department " " 183.01 

Live stock department " " 87.11 

Dairy department " " 169.59 

Poultry department " " 144.83 

Floricultural department " " 166.80 

Educational department " " 469.55 

Building employes " " 971.00 

Nebraska cereal cooking department " " 100.00 

Repairs and improvements " " 59.00 

Total $ 4083.28 

Unexpended balance, $21002.48. 

Officers' salaries and employes' wages for September, 1898 $ 512.50 

Furniture and fixtures " " 12.50 

Current expense ' " " 520.70 

Construction " " 200.41 

Agricultural department " " 348.41 

Horticultural department " " 2080.70 

Apiary department " " 197.39 

Live stock department " " 85.35 

Dairy department " " 837.80 

Poultry department " " 173.41 

Floricultural department " " 197.60 

Educational department " " 364.57 

Building employes " " 965.00 

Decoration of state building " " 77.19 

Nebraska cereal cooking departmetit " " 100.00 

Total $ 6673.53 

Unexpended balance, $14328.95. Total. 

Salaries and wages for October $ 383.35 $ 7582.83 

Furniture and fixtures 302.95 

Current expense 1230.80 3703.83 

Construction 873.45 26243.18 

Agricultural department 701.69 8239.74 

Horticultural department 1749.44 9037.85 

Apiary department 188.66 2218.19 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 19 

Live stock department $3365.61 $8888.80 

Dairy department 224.30 2390.35 

Poultry department 192.13 2276.32 

Floricultural department 313.41 2153.74 

Educational department 1049.21 10743.95 

Miscellaneous space account 3560.25 

Postage account 50.00 260.00 

Building employes 1237.84 5569.01 

Sod house 500.00 

Decorations of state building 59.20 1798.43 

Nebraska cereal cooking 500.00 

Nebraska Ceramic club 5.00 . 305.00 

Attractions account 667.04 1426.79 

Repairs and improvements 9.70 270.67 

Totals $12300.83 $97971.88 

Amount of appropriation $100,000.00 

Amount expended 97,971.88 

Balance reverting to treasury $ 2,028.12 

We have exercised the utmost care in our expenditures to 
avoid useless or profligate outlay of^the funds at our command, 
and have endeavored to conduct our affairs upon a business 
basis. The records are suflflcient evidence as to how we have 
succeeded in this matter. 

^Ye append here a list of the people employed by the Board 
in the different departments during the five months of the Ex- 
position, giving their addresses and the positions they occupied. 

J. X. Campbell, Assistant Secretary Fullerton, Neb. 

Dan Althen, Bookkeeper Beatrice, Neb. 

Nellie O'Eourke, Stenographer Omaha, Neb. 

A. J. Williams, Guard Irvington, Neb. 

Patrick Hynes, Guard Hastings, Neb. 

John Barrett, Guard Omaha, Neb. 

F. M. Whittacar, Custodian Ainsworth, Neb. 

Cyrus Lindell, Assistant Custodian Lincoln, Neb. 

Cyrus Lindell resigned and his place was 

taken October 1st by Eoy McPherrin . . Lincoln, Neb. 
A. J. Tomlinson, Intelligence Clerk Red Cloud, Neb. 

E. B. Wilber, Assistant Intelligence Clerk.So. Sioux City, Neb. 

G. C. Stevenson, Register Clerk Madison, Neb. 

F. W. Barry. Check Clerk Wahoo, Neb. 

Ed Parriot, Janitor Auburn, Neb. 

W. C. Bass, Janitor Seward, Neb. 

A. E. Elder, Messenger Clay Center, Neb. 



20 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

Mellona Butterfield, Hostess Omaha, Neb. 

Mrs. TV. H. Hunter, Assistant Hostess . . . Fremont, Neb. 

Mrs. Clara W. Marks, Check Clerk Grand Island, Neb. 

Lela A. Wheeler, Postmistress Lincoln, Neb. 

Anna B. Overton, Attendant Ladies' Room Gibbon, Neb. 

Sara A. Burrows, Attendant Societies' 
Room Lincoln, Neb. 

Lucinda Burrows, ' Attendant Societies' 

Room from September 1st Lincoln, Neb. 

Mrs. Ella Manzer, Janitress for last month Omaha, Neb. 

E. D. Johnson, Superintendent Agricul- 
ture Lexington, Neb. 

C. E. Drake, Assistant Superintendent Ag- 
riculture Albion, Neb. 

J. Waggoner. Helper Agriculture Bellwood, Neb. 

Peter Youngers, Jr., Superintendent Hor- 
ticulture Geneva, Neb. 

Geo. A. Marshall, Assistant Superintend- 
ent Horticulture Arlington, Neb. 

Chas. Nownes, Assistant Superintendent 

Horticulture Papillion, Neb. 

Frank Clark, Assi.stant Superintendent 
Horticulture Tecumseh, Neb. 

Matt Youngers, Assistant Superintendent 

Horticulture, last two months Geneva, Neb. 

L. C. Chapin, Superintendent Floriculture. Lincoln, Neb. 

A. W\ Shickley, Assistant Superintenent 

Floriculture Shicklej', Neb. 

C. W. Stewart, Manager Educational De- 
partment _ Alma, Neb. 

W. H. Howard, Helper Educational De- 
partment Crawford, Neb. 

A. H. Holmes, Helper Educational Depart- 
ment Wilcox, Neb. 

Eliza L. McGrew, Helper Educational De- 
partment Burwell, Neb. 

Eliza L. McGrew resigned and place taken 

by Nettie Harmer, September 1st Syracuse, Neb. 

W\ H. Mullen, Helper Educational De 

partment O'Neill, Neb. 

May O'Shea, Helper Educational De- 
partment .... Lincoln, Neb. 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 21 

M. 0. O'Hara, Helper Educational De- 

partmen. (Month of June) Blooraington, Neb. 

W. H. Mullen resigned and place taken 
Sept. 1st by 

Ed J. Clark, Janitor Educational Depart- 
ment Omaha, Neb. 

L. D. Stilson, Superintendent Apiary. .. .York, Neb. 

O. M. ^^'hitfo^d, Assistant Superintendent 

Apiary Arlington, Neb. 

B. R. Stouffer, Superintendent Dairy. .. .Bellevue, Neb. 

Mrs. R. C. Hayes, Assistant Superintend- 
ent Dairy /. Omaha, Neb. 

D. J. Richards, Superintendent Poultry. . Omaha, Neb. 

■C. A. Cook. Assistant Superintendent 

Poultry Salem, Neb. 

William Foster, Live Stock Superintend- 
ent Saltillo, Neb. 

Becoming thoroughly imbued with the importance of the 
work as we advanced when the Exposition opened we were de 
termined that it should not lack for personal supervision upon 
our part, even at the sacrifice of personal interests. So we ar- 
ranged, by taking turns, for the continuous attendance at the 
Exposition of one or more members of the Commission, in order 
to advise our Assistant Secretary and corps of Superintendents, 
and to be present in emergencies which might arise in the man 
agement of the business. 

In conclusion we must express our satisfaction with the 
work accomplished. We believe that we can say, without being 
accused of self praise, that we put up the best show possible 
for the money. The people of our State of all classes seeing our 
exhibits were proud to claim a citizenship in Nebraska. People 
coming from all over the United States and from other countries, 
iieely testify to their amazement when viewing the evidences 
of our rich and varied resources. 

We know that by reason of our display the State of Ne 
braska will be held in higher respect; that its products will be 
sought with more eagerness. The people know that labor in de- 
velopment will yield the choicest rewards, and from everywhere 
ihey will be encouraged to came and make the State their home 
iind aid and share in its increasing greatness. 



22 REPOKT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

It is not possible to estimate the ultimate benefit in dollars 
and cents, but rather we must know that in material progress, 
in added importance, in the upbuilding of all its multifarious in- 
dustries, our State has received an impetus that, as the years 
go by, will bring us many times the return of the amount spent 
in this enterprise. 

WM^ NEVILLE, President. 

W. A. POYNTER, Vice President. 

C. D. CASPAR, Secretary. 

W. M. BUTTON, 

H. M. BOYDSTON, 

A. C. WHITFORD, 

Commissioners. 

Attest: J. N. CAMPBELL, Assistant Secretary. 



APPENDIX. 

Reports of the Superintendents of the departments of the 
Nebraska State exhibit at the Trans-Mississippi and Interna- 
tional Exposition. 



To William Neville, 

President Nebraska Commission Trans-Mississippi Exposi- 
tion, Omaha, Neb. 

Gentlemen : 

I respectfully submit to your Board the following report of 
work done in my department since it organization to date: 

At the time of appointment, August 23d, the Board had set 
apart no certain amount to make an exhibit, and the work at 
this time was to a large extent preliminary and finding out 
what material could be had to make an exhibit. Upon looking 
the ground over it was found that a good exhibit could be se- 
cured. At a later meeting the Board secured 1,290 square feet 
of space in the Horticultural Building for use of this depart- 
ment, and space around the Nebraska Building for parking pur- 
poses, and at a later meeting in March set apart |1,000.00 foi 
use in this department, and appointed Mr. A. W. Shickley oi 
Geneva, Assistant Superintendent. 

We commenced active work at this time, laid out space 
around the Nebraska Building for flower beds, and sodded in- 
tervening space with blue grass sod. These beds were planted 
with blooming plants, and the exhibits of flowering plants w^ere 
confined to this space, as it was the most economical way to 
make an exhibit of flowering plants on account of their perish- 
able nature. Great credit was due the following florists for 
plants to make this exhibit: Paul Paulson, L. H. Henderson, 
R. H. Davey, Paul B. Floth, Peterson Bros, and Chapin Br.os. A 
large variety of plants ~'as exhibited, among which were 44 
varieties of geraniums, 71 of cactii, 18 of roses, 12 of cannas, 5 of 
altheranthea, 23 of coleas, 2 of salvias, besides many others such 
as heliotrope, verbenas, etc. 

Youngers & Co., nurseryman of Geneva, who exhibited a, 
fine group of evergreens, consisting of fine specimens of the fol- 
lowing: Picia pungens, Douglas spruce, Abies concoler, Black 
Hill spruce and other commoner kinds. Marshall Bros, of Ar- 
lington also had a fine group of the following: Black Hill 
spruce, white pine, arbor vitae, silver spruce and cedars. Thesti 
gentlemen deserve gi'eat credit, as no charge was made for these 
exhibits. Some of these were especially fine specimens and peo- 



26 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

pie are just beginning to see that evergreens can be grown suc- 
cessfully in Nebraska. 

The exhibit in the Nebraska Building consisted of the foun- 
tain, which was especially fine during the hot weather, as the 
cool, running water seemed very refreshing. This fountain was 
kept decorated with palms and flowers, and palms were had oii 
all occasions to decorate the Nebraska Building. 

The display of vases was placed on the steps at the en- 
trances and at the east side consisting of both iron and rustic 
vases, also a display of hanging baskets in the Nebraska Build- 
ing. 

The exhibit proper in the Horticultural Building was in 
place on June 1st and was ready for the opening. This was a very 
valuable exhibit. The collection of palms consisted of forty-four 
varieties, one of which (cycas cirsanelas) was of the value of 
1500.00, and nearly all varieties shown were of special commer- 
cial value in Nebraska. 

The collection of foliage plants included sixty-six varieties. 
In this collection there were especially' fine varieties shown, 
such as Pandanis Vichiti and Ficis Varigati. 

Of cactii 104 varieties, nearly the entire list, was shown, all 
native cactii and many from other States and Mexico. Especial 
mention is made of a large agave ameraci, probably the largest 
in the United States, valued at |1,000.00. Collection of ferns, 
thirty-seven varieties. 

All of the above was in the nature of a competitive exhibit, 
and was entered in the name of the State of Nebraska and se- 
cured a gold medal and diploma. 

The exhibit has attracted very favorable comment, and at 
the time of the National Florists' Convention florists from the 
east were very agreeably surprised at the exhibit shown and the 
work done in the floral line. It has been an object lesson to all, 
especially as we are a young State and many supposed that Ne 
braska had nothing worth showing to the floral world and I be- 
lieve has increased to a large extent the desire of our own people 
to go and do likewise, as it has shown them that plants, flowers, 
shrubs and trees can be successfully grown and used to beautify 
the house and grounds. 

We commenced our display of cut flowers at the time of the 
Florists' National Convention which met here. Our display at 



I 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 27 



that time consisted principally of vases and jardinieres filled 
with roses, carnations, petunias, tube roses, astors and gladiolia. 
This display was renewed each day and was supplied by Chapin 
Bros, of Lincoln and was awarded a gold medal and diploma. 

On September 12 to 16, during the exhibit of the State Hor- 
ticultural Society a special display of cut flowers and designs 
was exhibited, among which were large designs made up of 
roses, ferns, carnations and smilax; also baskets and vases of 
choice cut flowers which were among the principal attractions 
in the Horticultural Building during that time. This display 
was entered in the name of the State and secured a silver medal 
and diploma. 

Great credit is due W. J. Hesser, the palm grower of Platts- 
mouth, for his valuable collection of palms, ferns and cactii. 
His collection was entered for an award and secured a gold 
medal and diploma. 

S. B. Stewart of Omaha made a display of bulbs during the 
months of September and October, consisting of lillies, hya- 
cinths, tulips, crocus, snowdrops and many others. This exhibit 
secured a gold medal and diploma. 

Credit is also due to the following florists and private per- 
sons who kindly aided us in every possible way. Dr. George 
Roberts of Creighton, Neb.; Frey & Frey and Chapin Bros, of 
Lincoln, Neb.; Paul Paulson, A. Donahue, Jr., L. Henderson. 
Peterson Bros., S. D. Stewart and Paul Floth of Omaha; also to 
the State University. 

I have returned to the owners all plants and material loaned 
my department and hold their receipt therefor. I also append 
below a list of State property used in my department and hold 
a receipt of the custodian appointed by Land Commissionei 
Wolfe that same has all been returned in good condition; also 
an itemized list of the expenditures of my department. 

In closing this report I wish to especially thank yoursell 
and the members of the Nebraska Commission. You have at all 
times done all in your power to assist me in making this de- 
partment a success and our relations have been most pleasant. 
Your selection and appointment of Mr. A. W. Shickley of Gen 
eva. Neb., as Assistant Superintendent was especially wise, ai» 
to him is due in a large measure the success of this department. 
He has been an especially faithful workman and an obliging 
g^tleman. Again thanking you, I am yours truly, 

L. C. CHAPIN, Superintendent Floriculture. 



128 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

To the Honorable Board of Directors, 

Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, Omaha, 
Neb. : 

Oentlemen: 

1 beg leave to make the following report of the Department 
of Agriculture: 

August 29th, 1897, I received a letter from your Secretary, 
W. H. Dearing, that it was your desire that I proceed to gather 
grains and grasses and care for the same in proper manner, th(! 
same to be used in and for the Trans-Mississippi Exposition to 
be held in Omaha, June 1st, 1898. 

I commenced at once to gather as follows: 1st. Sheaf 
grain, wheat, rye, oats, barley, flax, buckwheat and hemp; also 
selected best samples of threshed grain possible. Later I found 
it necessary to have some safe place to conveniently store what 
I had gathered. 1 asked your Board's permission to rent a store 
room in Omaha which was granted. I rented a room on South 
Eleventh street and there stored and cared for all collections. 
At a regular meeting of the Board August 10th, 1897, you ap- 
pointed me Superintendent of the Agricultural Department. 
You bought 11,672 square feet of space for |4, 144.45 and set 
apart for my department |1,196.17. 

At your regular meeting January 31st you autliorized me 
to invite counties and districts to exhibit. 

Extract from the minutes of the meeting January 31st, 1898. 

First. That such as may be financially able and desirous oi 
making and maintaining county exhibits at the Exposition may 
be permitted to do so, provided that exhibits shall be grouped as 
follows, to-wit: 

Agriculture in the Agricultural Building, Horticulture in 
the Horticultural Building and so on throughout the different di- 
visions of the Exposition, in the space set aside for such county 
or district by the Superintendents of the diffei'ent departments 
thereof. 

Second. That such counties as may desire to organize them- 
selves into districts for the purpose of making "district exhib- 
its," the same to be maintained at their own expense, and in the 
same manner as country exhibits, may be permitted to do so. 

Third. That all other counties desiring to be represented 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 29 

and are not able to maintain exhibits may be permitted to for- 
ward their products to this department, which department may 
be privileged to arrange and maintain such exhibits in the namt 
of the county or counties furnishing such products. 

Provided further, That all such counties or districts making 
exhibits shall accept such space under such rules and regula- 
tions as your honorable body may in the futui'e prescribe. 

March 8th, 1898: 

Counties making exhibits must file their applications with 
the Superintendents of the respective divisions on or before 
April 1st and have their exhibits on the ground ready to be in- 
stalled on or before May 1st, 1898. This includes all exhibits 
except live stock and poultry. 

P. S. — Space for, and freight on exhibits, free. 

This portion of the minutes was printed in letter form and 
sent to all the counties in the State where there was no 
Agricultural Society, to some county or city officer or some re 
sponsible person. Out of the ninety counties only twenty-seven 
applied for space, but later when the time came for the exhibits 
to be placed only nine complied. The counties exhibiting were 
Boone, Burt, Cuming, Dawson, Red Willow, Filmore, Saline and 
Washington. 

September 20th I commenced to put in a vegetable exhibit, 
which I kept replenished almost daily until the close of the Ex- 
position. Towards the close of September I found my appropri- 
ation was short for my work; I asked for |350.00 more and it wasj 
granted. The nine counties all made creditable exhibits, each 
receiving an award. Whether the State made a good exhibit is 
not for me to say, but those who saw it can judge for themselves. 
If any credit is due my department it is vei'y largely due to my 
assistant, C. E. Drake, and helper, Jerry Waggoner. 

The State received a gold medal and diploma. 

E. D. JOHNSON, Superintendent Agriculture. 



30 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

To the ilonorable Members of the Nebraska Commission, 

Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, Omaha, 
Neb. : 

Gentlemen: 

In compliance with the request of your Assistant Secretary, 
Mr. Campbell, I herewith submit report of work done in my 
department : 

On August 12th, 1897, I was notified of my appointment b3 
your honorable body as Superintendent of Horticulture for Ne- 
braska, and on September 8th was instructed to commence gath- 
ering apples for exhibit at the opening of the Exposition. Dur- 
ing the fall I succeeded in securing ICl barrels of apples contain- 
ing sixty-three varieties which were placed in cold storage at 
Swift & Co.'s warehouse South Omaha. This firm kindly do- 
nated the storage charges to the Horticultural Department. The 
storage was perfect in every particular. Apples placed in theii 
cold storage room in October, 1897, taken out October 17th, 1898, 
were found to be in perfect condition, many varieties remaining 
upon the tables in good condition until the close of the Exposi- 
tion. 

On May 31st last we commenced to fill our tables with tht 
fruit stored during the winter, and the opening day, June 1st, 
found the Nebraska space, consisting of 2,000 square feet, con- 
taining 2,450 plates, filled with the produce of Nebraska or- 
chards. Our space was kept completely full without any inter- 
ruption from the opening day until the close of the Exposition, 
during which time the following varieties of fruit were exhib- 
ited: 

Varieties. 

Apples 108 

Crab apples 19 

Pears i^i, 

Cherries ofl 

Plums, named 76 

Plums, seedling 80 

Apricots 11 

Peaches 31 

, Nectarines 2 

Persimmon 1 

Quince 1 

Fig '..'.'.'.'.'.'. 1 



TRANS-MISSISSEPPI EXPOSITION. 31 

Varieties. 

Paw paw 1 

Grapes 42 

Blackberries 3 

Dewberries 2 

Currants 11 

Gooseberries 6 

Juneberries 2 

Mulberries 4 

Raspberries 14 

Strawberries 16 

Total 479 

As the season advanced it was thought advisable to set 
apart certain days upon which to distribute fruit to visitors of 
the Exposition. Accordingly September 2 was set apart by the 
Superintendent of the Horticultural Department and designated 
as 'Teach Day." All of the Trans-Mississippi States were invit- 
ed to join, but as no other State responded to the call it fell upon 
Nebraska to furnish all of the peaches. Between twelve and 
fourteen thousand people partook of the hospitality of Nebraska 
on that day; about eighty thousand peaches being distributed. 

September 17 was set apart and known as "Nebraska Grape 
Day." On this day grapes were distributed in two-pound sacks 
to fully twelve thousand visitors. At one time seventeen per- 
sons were engaged in sacking and distributing the grapes. The 
day following (September .18) being Children's Day, the school 
children of Omaha and Council Bluffs were invited to sample 
the products of Nebraska orchards and vineyards. Each child 
that passed through the building was given a sack of grapes and 
two peaches. The children were highly pleased with the treat 
and Nebraska received much credit for her liberality. 

Again on October 19 we had what was known as "Nebraska 
Apple Day." We commenced distributing apples at 1 o'clock 
and continued until dark, having some ten persons employed in 
handing out the fruit. The apples given away were of the finest 
quality that Nebraska orchards produce consisting mainly of 
Jonathan, Grimes, Golden Pippin, Northern Spy and Snow, all 
of excellent eating quality. 

The object in distributing the fruit — peaches, grapes and 
apples — was to convince visitors to the Exposition that the qual- 



32 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

ity of Nebraska finiit is equal if not superior to that of any othei 
State in the Union, and many of the visitors, especially those 
from the eastern States, expressed great surpise at the quality 
of the fruit. The Nebraska apple has also demonstrated its su- 
perior keefjing qualities over apples exhibited by the other 
Trans-Mississippi States. For instance, apples taken out of cold 
storage remained upon the table in perfect condition for a period 
of from two to three weeks, and in one or two instances apples 
that had been in cold storage for seven months remained upon 
the tables in perfect condition for five weeks. At the close ot 
the Exposition there were on exhibition thirty-eight varieties of 
apples of the crop of 1897. The grapes distributed were of very 
fine quality, and many visitors expressed sui'prise both at the 
quantity' we gave away and the excellent quality of the fruit. 
Our peaches rank second in quality in the United States as Sx 
former award made at Chicago will attest. 

The expenditures in my department have been as follows: 

For space in Horticultural Building $1,000.00 

Lumber 84.75 

Furniture and fixtures 215.93 

Painting 67.00 

Plates 71.70 

Decorating 272.56 

Fruit 3,258.87 

Paper for wrapping fruit 46.65 

Freight and drayage 149.79 

Express and deliverv ' 490.01 

Cold Storage ' 37.10 

Labor 80.00 

Miscellaneous 86.06 

Salaries of Superintendent and assistants.... 1,780.16 

Hotel expenses Superintendent and assistants . 325.60 

Livery 36.80 

Printing 25.95 

Postage 800 

Car fare 27.40 

Telegraph and telephone 11.86 

Total 18,076.22 

On March 23, 1898, the sum of $6,000 was set aside for use 
in my department, exclusive of salaries. Of that amount there 
has been expended the sum of $4,576.74, leaving an unexpended 
balance of $1,423.26. I have also received rebate on plates re- 



TRANS MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 33 

turned of |41.19, making the total net balance unexpended in 
my department, f 1,464. 63. 

For whatever degree of success has been achieved in my de- 
partment a large part of the credit is due to my assistant, Mr. 
Geo. A. Marshall of Arlington. Being President of the Nebraska 
State Horticultural Society, he not only rendered valuable as- 
sistance himself, but enlisted the hearty co-operation of the 
whole Society. 

The fruit growers of the State generally have been uniform 
ally prompt and generous in selecting the best from orchard and 
vineyard to assist in making the display. There are so many 
worthy of mention that space forbids my giving a complete list. 
I feel, however, that special credit is due the following: Robert 
W. Furnas, Brownville; C. H. Barnard, Table Eock; J. M. Rus- 
{?en, Wymore; Dr. A. Gaiser, Tecumseh; Marshall Bros., Arling- 
ton. 

The help provided by the State Board consisted of four as- 
sistants, viz.: Geo. A. Marshall, assistant; Chas. Nownes, sec- 
ond assistant; Frank Clark, third assistant, and M. H. Young 
ers, fourth assistant, have performed their work faithfully and 
well, being ready and willing at all times, night and day, to do 
all in their power to promote the interests of the Nebraska fruit 
exhibit. It was frequently necessary for the entire force to work 
imtil 1 o'clock in the morning and again be at their posts at 6 
o'clock, and each and every one has cheerfully performed every 
duty required of him. _ 

To you, gentlemen of the Nebraska Commission, I wish to 
tender my sincere thanks for your uniformly kind and courteous 
treatment both of myself and of the Horticulturists of the State. 
Your generous conduct has contributed very largely to making 
the work in my department easy and pleasant, and you have at 
all times labored to make the Horticultural Department a grand 
success. That your efforts have not been fruitless the following, 
list of awards received of my department will testify: 

State of Nebraska, for display of fruits of the State, special 
diploma of honor. This diploma ranks above the gold medal 
and is the highest award made in the building. 

The Nebraska State Horticultural Society, for display of 
fruit at their September meeting, gold medal. 

Douglas County, for display of fruit, gold medal. 



34 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

J. M. Russell & Co., Anymore, for collection of peaches, gold 
medal. 

C. H. Barnard, for collection of fruit, gold medal. 

Marshall Bi'os., Arlington, for collection of small fruit, gold 
medal. 

Theo. Williams, Benson, for display of plums, gold medal. 

Youngers & Co., Geneva, for display of apples, gold medal. 

Robt. W. Furnas, Brownville, for collection of peaches, 
pears and plums, gold medal. 

Sarpy Count}', for County display of fruit, silver medal. 

P. Schumacher, York, for collection of small fruit, silver 
medal. 

J. W. Stevenson, North Bend, for display of strawberries, 
silver medal. 

W. F. Jenkins, Arcadia, for display of cherries, silver medal. 

R. N. Day, Tekamah, for display of fruit, bronze medal. 

J. A. Yager, Fremont, for display of plums, bronze medal. 

W. R. Harris, Tecumseh for display of fruits. 

A. Gaiser, Tecumseh, for display of grapes. 

E. J. Jury, Tecumseh, for display of peaches, bronze medal. 
G. S. Christ}', Johnson, for general display of fruit, bronzt 

medal. 

C. A. Whitford, Arlington, for fruits of 1897 and small 

fruits, bronze medal. 

The following received diploma for honorable mention: 
Geo. L. Allen, Lehigh, for display of small fruit. 

F. R. Martin, Omaha, for display of grapes. 
0. M. Kaufman, for display of ])ears. 

All of which is respectfiiHy submitted. 

PETER YOUNGERS, JR., 

SuDerintendent Horticulture for Nebraska. 



Nebraska State Commission for the Trans-Mississippi and Inter- 
national Exposition: 
Gentlemen : 

Having been requested by your honorable body to give a 
iull report of the Poultry exhibit I herewith am pleased to in- 
form you that this exhibit has been a grand success considering 
the small amount of money expended. 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 35 

Poultrymen of Nebraska, as well as visiting poultrymen, 
are almost unanimous in expressing themselves as well pleased 
with this method of exhibiting j)oultry at all times. 

There have been S6.3 birds on exhibition during the season 
from June 2()th to the present time. These were owned by 
seventy-two different brooders of this State. 

By the able assistance of Mr. C. A. Cook we have lost but 
eight birds in all out of the 863 exhibited. This is far below the 
average loss at coop shows, which usually last from three 
to seven days. 

Mr. C. A. Cook and myself desire to thank you all for your 
kindness and help in making this exhibit what it has been. We 
appreciate the trust given us. 

Yours respectfully, 

D. J KICH Alius, 

Superintendeiii. 



Omaha, Neb., Nov. 10, 18'.)8. 

To the Honorable Members of the Nebraska Commission: 

Trans-Mississippi and Internatiional Exposition, 
Omaha, Nebraska, 
Ooiitlemen: — 

In compliance with the request of the members of the (Com- 
mission I herewith submit a report of the work done in n\y de- 
partment as Superintendent of Decorations of the Nebraska 
Building. 

On January 26, 1898, I was notified of my appointment by 
your honorable body as Superintendent of the interior decora 
tion of the Nebraska Building. I commenced my work at once 
soliciting pictures from the prominent artists who were, or had 
been, interested in the art of the State. From February 1st to 
June 1st I called personally upon the best artists of Omaha, 
Lincoln, Plattsmouth, Beatrice, Ashland, Fairburj', Hastings, 
Aurora-, Grand Island, Columbus, Norfolk and Fremont, in some 
cases going to them several times, besides corresponding with 
many others. 

On March 15, the honorable board directed that my salary 
as Superintendent of Decorations should begin, at which time 



36 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

there was an appropriation made of |1, 500.00 for expenditure for 
decorations and furnishings, transportation of pictures, etc. Tht 
tinting of the large audience room and gallery, and fourteen 
rooms with stenciling of border, was handsomely done in diifer- 
ent colors by Mr. E. Von Reichman & Co., formerly of St. Louis. 
The ninety-eight windows were all provided with good shades, 
and suitable draperies were provided for windows and doors. 
Over five hundred j-ards of matting and carpet, besides twenty- 
five rugs, more than one hundred and fifty chairs of all styles, 
seventeen cots and numbers of pillows and cot-covers, several 
cozy corners, many tables and desks for writing were purchased, 
all of which tended to the comfort and restfulness of the weary 
guests. 

The State was indebted to the courtesy of Messrs. Schmoller 
& Mueller for the loan of three pianos for use during the sum- 
mer. 

The pictures added much to the beauty and home-like ap- 
pearance of the building, and we are under obligations to the 
following persons who so very kindly sacrificed the comfort of 
their homes to assist us: 

Miss Cora Parker, . . (10 pictures and 2 pieces of statuary) State 
University. 

Mrs. Balliman. Omaha 2 pictures. 

Mr. O'Neal, Omaha 2 

Miss Ethel Evans, Omaha 1 

Miss Bessie Cowles, Omaha 1 " 

Miss Nightingale, Chicago 1 " 

Miss Tanie Snowden, Omaha .2 " 

Mrs. Emerson, Omaha 1 " 

Mrs. Seavey, Denver 2 " 

Miss C. Miller, Omaha 1 

Miss Raiike, Omaha : 2 " 

Mrs. Bachman, Omaha 1 " 

Mr. Hogle, Omaha 2 " 

Mrs. Henry Estabrook, Chicago . .1 picture and porcelain slab. 

Miss Anna Rogers, Lincoln 4 heads. 

Miss Mellona Butterfield, Omaha, 7 water-colors, 1 mirror frame. 

Several pieces of china. 

Miss Mable Taylor, Omaha 9 pretty heads. 

Mrs. Murr, Omaha 1 picture. 

Mrs. Bruner, Omaha 1 " 

Mrs. Burnam, Omaha 1 " 

Miss Van Geasen, Omaha 1 " 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 37 

Miss Orcutt, Oraalia 1 Picture. 

Miss Burnett, Omaha 1 " 

Miss Her, Omaha 1 " 

Mrs. Petitt, South Omaha 1 " 

Mrs. C. Powell, Omaha 1 tray cloth framed. 

Mr. n. H. Bagg, Peru, Neb., 4 pictures. 

Mrs. McLellan Hinman, Chicago 8 " 

Mrs. J. Hull, Norfolk, Neb .3 

Miss O'Shae, Lincoln 1 " 

Miss Harmer, Syracuse, Neb 1 " 

Mrs. Isaman, Aurora, Neb 8 " 

Mrs. Anna Morey, Hastings, Neb. ..4 pictures. 4 pes. of china. 

Mrs. Paul Holm, Lincoln 4 pictures, 1 piece of tapestry. 

Miss Mable Sears, Lincoln 2 slabs (plaster). 

Miss Alice Eighter, Lincoln .4 pictures. 

Mrs. A. Oelrich, Columbus 1 table top. 

Miss Nina Oumbard, Fremont 2 " " 

Mrs. A. Warwick, Oscaloosa, Kans 4 " " 

Mrs. A. P. McKnight. Council Bluffs, la .5 " " 

Mr. A. C. Peters, Filley, Neb 1 " 

Mrs. Littletield, Syracuse, Neb 4 " " 

Miss Graves, York, Neb 4 '' " 

Miss Stevens, Omaha 6 " " 

Mrs. Parks, Omaha o " " 

Mrs. Willis, Omaha 2 " " 

The Misses Thurston, Omaha 3 " " 

To Mrs. Frances Mumaugh we are indebted for the arrange- 
ment and decoration with pictures and bric-a-brac of the Ladies' 
Resting Room. She used about twenty-seven water-colors for 
the walls, besides loaning us twelve fine oil paintings which 
were hung in other places, making a total of over two-hundred 
pictures hung in the building. 

We are indebted to Mrs. Canfield for a tine bust of Chancel- 
lor Canfield, the same afterwards being presented to the Uni- 
versity, also to Mrs. Judge Stewart of Lincoln, for a portrait 
of Chancellor Benton, the first. Chancellor of the University; 
to Mrs. Silas Garber for a portrait of Governor Garber; to Mrs. 
Bert Hitchcock for a jjortrait of Ex-Governor Crounse. We also 
had the portraits of Ex-Governors Thayer, Furnas, Boyd, Saun- 
ders and Cummings. Mr. Lininger contributed his photograph. 
Mrs. Hull of Norfolk sent the portraits of (iovernor Holcomb, 
Colonel Bryan, Senator Allen, Governor Dawes and Senator 
Allison. 

Senator Thurston showed his loyalty to the building by 



38 REPORT (>F THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

loaning us jSne portraits of President McKinley and Vice Pres- 
ident Hobart, also the portrait of Senator Thurston. 

The building was handsomely decorated both inside and out 
with the Ak-sar-ben colors and flags in honor of Ak-sar-ben 
week and the Peace Jubilee. 

4 The pretty corners and rooms maintained by the different 
fraternities added much to the beauty of the building. The 
Knights of Pythias furnished a large room handsomely and ex- 
pensively under the direciton of Mr. Will Schism. The Free 
Masons and Eastern Stars furnished another room equally as 
handsome. The Sons and Daughters of the American Eevolution 
had a most interesting corner, making an exhibition of Revolu- 
tionary relics collected throughout the state. Mrs. Langworthy 
of Seward, Mrs. Reylander of Lincoln and Mrs. Jaynes of 
Omaha- being untiring in their efforts to make this an attractive 
corner. 

The Christian Endeavor under the direction of Rev. A. J. 
Tukey arranged a pretty corner in the rotunda. The room set 
apart for the "Old Soldiers and Sailors" was taken care of by 
Mr. Heston, assisted by the ladies of the Relief Corps and ladies 
of the G. A. R. They had an interesting exhibit of over 200 war 
relics. The Woman's Home Missionary Society entertained 
many guests in their cozy corner in one of the rooms. The 
Modern Woodmen arranged one of the neatest corners in the ro 
tunda. Mr. Talbot superintending, and the congenial smile of 
Mr. McFarran and Mrs. Allan to greet all friends. Modern 
W^oodmen Day was one of the most successful days of the 
season. The Ancient Order of United Workmen entertained 
man}^ a weary friend in their quarters, holding a most succests- 
ful day for their members. The Junior Order United Amer- 
ican Mechanics also fitted up a corner for their friends' comfort. 

The W. C. T. U. Society had part of a room on the second 
floor tastily furnished by their order where many could register 
and be at home. In the same room was the P. E. O. Circle, 
whose pretty colors of yellow and white were very tastily carried 
out in their furnishings. The Pi Beta Phi Fraternity of college 
girls could find a home in one corner of the east blue room. 
The Knights and Ladies of Maccabees had a very comfortable 
booth in the balcony; also the Red Men of the World quarters 
were neatly arranged. We must not forget the valuable and 
attractive stamp collection loaned by the State Stamp Society, 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 39 



We were sorry tbat we had the Eoyal Highlanders with us 
but about one-half of the time for they arranged one of the pret- 
tiest booths in the rotunda with their plaids and bows and 
quivers, under the direction of Mr. Sharp of Aurora, and Mr. 
Burgess of Lincoln. 

Many other fraternities made application for quarters in 
our building but as they could not get the proper passes to the 
grounds they withdrew their applications for space. The Ohio 
Commission accepted the invitation extended and held their 
headquarters in the office of the building with Mr. H. M. Greene 
in chai'ge. 

As hostess of the State Building I may say that in every 
respect I was treated with the utmost courtesy by guests and 
employees alike. Every one with whom I spoke was elaborate 
in their praises concerning the beauty and comfort of the build- 
ing, and said that the State might be proud of her effort. This 
word was not only from our own people but from all parts of the 
country. 

With the assistance of Mrs. W. H. Hunter of Fremont we 
cared for the comfort and entertainment of all guests, and assist 
ed the Commission in entertaining on Opening Day, Dedication 
of the Building, Modern Woodmen Day, Sons and Daughters 
of the Revolution Day, Lumbermen's Day, Free Mason and 
Eastern Star Day, three days of the Money Congress, Woman's 
Relief Corijs Day, Maccabees Day, Redmen's Day, P. E. O. Day, 
besides the days of several minor organizations. Our doors were 
always open for the entertainment of the people from eight .;. 
a. until the time the lights were extinguished on the grounds. 

To you gentlemen of the Nebraska State Commission, I 
wish to tender my sincere thanks for your unremitting courtesy 
to me in every particular. Every want was gratned. Your kindlv 
word was always cheering and encouraging, and it gave me 
great pleasure to work for your comfort and approval. 

Respectfully submitted, 

MELLONA BUTTERFIELD, 

Superintendent of Decoration and Hostess of the Nebraska 
Building, Trans-Mississippi Exposition. 



40 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

To the Honorable Members of the Nebraska Commission, 
Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition: — 

Gentlemen :^ — - 

Having been appointed by you as Superintendent of the 
Nebraska exhibit, in the Apiary Department of the Trans-Mis- 
sissippi Exposition, and as such Exposition is now near its close, 
I herewith make the following report of my work, as such Sup- 
erintendent. • 

Beginning in the fall of 1S97, I collected some vai'ieties of 
honey, with which to make a showing at the opeing of the Ex- 
position. This was sorted and stored in a heated room, so as 
to be kept at as even temperature through the winter as possi- 
ble, never getting below 50 degrees. 

This honey on May 1st, showed to have kept in almost a per- 
fect condition, showing neither leakage, bursting of cappings, 
nor granulations. The greater portion of this honey has been 
kept on exhibition from the opening thereof until the present 
time, still in perfect condition, showing the excellent keeping 
quality of our honey under severe conditions. 

For honey and expense of keeping over winter, prior to 
April 1st, 1898, |132,()8. On April 1st. we began work prepar 
atory for the Exposition. Prior to this time, money had been 
apportioned to this department as follows: 

For space 1350.00 

For Superintendent's salary, 7 mo 455.00 

For salarv for one assistant, 5 mo. . . . 300.00 
For exhibits 1)75.00 

All moneys paid out have been upon itemized statements 
and vouchers each month, and approved by you as follows: 

April I 9.00 

May 107.09 

June 454.11 

July 108.05 

August , 58.01 

September 72.39 

leaving still |165.75 Oct. 1st, to the credit of this department. 
Since the opening of the Exposition, either myself or assistant 
have been constantlj'^ with our exhibit, and generally both have 
been there Sundays as well as week days. During the summer 
we have purchased material and obtained use of some other, 



TRANS MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 41 

so that our present exhibit occupies more than double th.- 
amount of space originally assigned to this department, occu- 
pying in the whole, 900 square feet of space. This caused much 
additional work for those in charge. 

In the spring we purchased three swarms of bees, so as to 
have full colonies to draw from for a continuous exhibit of live 
bees in observatory hives. These required removing at least 
each week, and at times twice each week. The first three 
swnrms proved inadequate for this display, and we have drawn 
heavily from colonies purchased by ourselves, for which no 
charge has been made. We have at times purchased some 
queens, twelve in all, for replenishing the stock, thus making 
a continuous display of bees and queens of from four to seveii 
observatory hives, for over four months. 

We have been very fortunate in not having our honey stolen, 
as it is generally in the best shape for peculation; but in all the 
six months of preparation and exhibit, we have not had over 
100 pounds of honey stolen, which is the lightest of any Expo- 
sition known, I think, where so much has been handled. By 
special arrangement, your body purchased from Mrs. E. Whit- 
comb of Friend, Nebraska, designs and flowers in bees-wax, 
she reserving the right to enter them for award in her own nam( 
in competition. 

A collection of 250 mounted and pressed honey producing 
plants of this State was obtained from Miss Winnie Stilson, 
without compensation to aid in decorating our honey cases. We 
have endeavored to have a complete line of such apiarian goods 
as are in general use by up-to-date bee-keepers, and by instruc- 
tion in their uses, tried to induce all who visited our exhibit 
to use latest methods. We have given out to visitors about 
10,000 circulars, descriptive of honey as food and medicine. 
These have cost this Commission nothing except expressage. 

During September we had held in Omaha, the meeting of 
the United States Bee Keepers' Union, the local expenses as 
well as entertainment at the Apiary Building, were 
borne mostly by a few Nebraska bee-keeprs, aided by Hon. G. 
W. Swink of Colorado, and E. Korethum of Iowa. In the awards 
Nebraska received 45 awards out of 81 awarded in the classes 
competing, comprising three gold medals and diplomas, 21 sil- 



42 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

ver diplomas, and 10 bronze medals and diplomas. Of these. 
21 were on lionej alone. 

We also took nine special premiums, offered by the Ne 
braska Farmer in this department. Three of them going to the 
Nebraska Commission of a value of $15.00 

Douglas County put up and maintained at their own ex- 
pense a very creditable display of apiarian products, under the 
direction of August C. Davidson, with Mrs. F. J. Preiss as his as 
sistant, who deserve credit for their tine exhibit, and th« 
manner in which it has been kept up. 

Before this exhibit is broken up, I should like authority 
from your Commission or other proper persons, to make small 
collections from the same, to be placed in the Nebraska State 
University, to be kept for. further scientific investigations, as to 
changes chemical or otherwise. I have already forwarded to 
the University of the State of Kansas, some specimens of honey 
from different plants, for chemical analysis, taking samples 
from other states, as well as from our own. The college at 
York, Nebraska, has also requested samples under like condi- 
tions. Some of the samples we now have are valuable only from 
a scientific point; having been gathered by careful work, some of 
it extending over a series of 3'ears, and such samples, I think, 
should not be thrown on the market to the highest bidder; and 
I would ask that at least .flO.OO be taken from funds still 
on hand in this department, to reimburse the State for first cost, 
and then place such collections where they can be studied in 
the future. 

We also have a curiosity in the way of honey comb built 
on a Cottonwood limb, over thirty feet from the ground. When 
found the bees had built sufficient to have filled a common bee 
hive. Some comb was broken off in getting down. This was 
well filled with brood and honey. The bees were taken off and 
hived, and the combs placed on exhibitioji. This I would like 
turned over to the State University, as such an amount of comb 
built in the open air, is very rare in this climate. 

The premiums awarded are as follows : 

NEBRASKA COMMISSION, 

Linden Comb Honey 2nd. 

White Clover '. 2nd. 

Linden Extract 2nd. 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 43 

Queens in Cages 2nd. 

Sweet Ciover Extract 2nd. 

Honev in marketable shape 2nd. 

Alfalfa Extract 4tli. 

AUGUST C. DAVIDSON, 

Varieties of Honey 2nd. 

Vai"ieties of Honey 2nd. 

Linden Extract 2nd. 

Honey in marketable shape 3rd. 

Metheglin 3rd. 

L. D. STILSON, 

Heartsease Comb Honey 2nd. 

Largest Display Foreign and Domestic Honey. .1st. 

Honey Sugar 2nd. 

Heartsease Extra 2nd. 

Unrefined Bees-wax 3rd. 

Honey in different stages of granulation ...... 4th. 

MES. E. WHITCOMB, 

Designs in Bees-wax 1st. 

Culinary Products in which Honey is made to 

take the place of sugar 2nd. 

MOUNTED HONEY PLANTS OF THE STATE. 

Winnie Stilson 1st. 

Cleveland Cross 3rd. 

Clark E. Bell 3rd. 

Douglas County 2nd. 

CAKE AND COOKIES IN WHICH HONEY 
TAKES THE PLACE OF SUGAK. 

Mrs. Frank J. Preiss 2nd. 

DESIGNS IN WAX WORK, 

Mrs. Mary Segar 2nd. 

Mrs. Delia Benson 2nd. 

HONEY VINEGAR, 
G. M. Whitford 4th. 

WILLIAM STOLLY, 

Sweet Clover Honey 2nd. 

Sweet Clover Extract 3rd. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY, 
Linden Comb Honey 2nd. 



44 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

Heartsease Extract 2nd. 

Sweet Clover 2nd. 

Designs in Bees- wax ........ .2nd. 

Queens in Cages 2nd. 

Experimental Test of Bees 2nd. 

Unrefined Wax 4th. 

Bee-keeping fii'ty years ago 4th. 

Honey Vinegar 4th. 

Honey Plants 2nd. 

It would be unworthy in me to claim all the credit for the 
work in connection with the exhibit, for the skill and good judg- 
ment of my assistant, G. M. "SA'hitford, is due to his full share of 
credit, in making this display the finest in this line ever made by 
any state. 

I would also express my gratitude to the Superintendent 
of the Apiary Bureau, Hon. E. Whitcomb, for the courtesies 
shown us, while together, and trust that these relations may 
alvvaAS continue pleasant. 

To each member of this Commission, I wish to tender mj 
thanks, and gratitude for support and advice in making this 
splendid Apiary display. 

Respectfully submitted, 

L. D. STILSON, 
Superintendent. 



To the Nebraska Commission, 

Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition; 
Omaha, Nebraska. 

Hon. Wm. Neville, President: — 

We herewith submit for your consideration a brief report 
of the Nebraska Educational Exhibit, located in the gallery of 
the Manufactures Building. We desire to express our warmest 
gratitude to the Commission individually and collectively, for 
the kindness and courtesy extended us during our official rela- 
tions. Your hearty support in all our endeavors has enabled Ub 
to make the Nebraska Educational Exhibit one of the best ed- 
cational exhibits perhaps ever made. It has been our earnest 
endeavor to perform faithfully and economically the work you 
have assigned to us. Special pains were taken to make our ex 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 45 

hibit of a practical nature, as well as to make it interesting an:] 
attractive. We believe that this exhibit has not only reflected 
great credit on the state but also on the Commission. The 
county superintendents, city superintendents, principals, and 
teachers in general, have co-operated with us most efldciently, 
and it was only by their effective work that we were able to 
make such a magnificent display. 

In bringing the matter of preparing the work properly be- 
fore the county superintendents and educators of the state in 
general, it was necessary for us to place before them a plain 
and concise statement of our plans. This was done by prepar- 
ing and issuing a series of circulars. 

Circular No. 1, issued December 1, 1897, set forth that spacv. 
had been purchased, which would be absolutely fvpe to al( 
schools in the state supported by taxation, and explaining hov.- 
the spase was to be obtained. To affect a closer organization 
each county superintendent was appointed a county manager. 
Each school desiring to make an exhibit was expected to make 
a})plication for space. The circular had a blank form appended. 
11 opco cmfwypcmfwyp cmfwyp cmfwyp cmfwy cmfwyp cf 
to be filled by the applicant for space, and the same was to be 
<Ietaclied and sent to the superintendent of this department at 
Lincoln not later than February 1, 1898. 

Circular No. 2 issued January 17, 1898, was a reminder of 
the importance of the work, and made mention of special fea- 
tures that we desired carried out. It also informed exhibitors 
that we had succeeded in getting the railroads to furnish free 
transportation both ways, on all lines in Nebraska, for all edu 
cational work prepared under our direction. 

Circular No, 3 was issued January 22, 1898. This circulai 
stated the size of cardboard to be used for all mounted work. 

Circular No. i, issued February 15, 1898, was a notification 
of the amount of wall space given to each teacher, together with 
shelf space. It also stated the quality and size of cardboard to 
be used, how work was to be mounted, and when we wished it 
to be completed. 

Circular No. 5, issued February 20, 1898, was much similai 
to Circular No. 4, but gave additional information. 

Circular No. 6 issued Api.il 1, 1898, notified each county sup- 
erintendent of the time for shipment, where the headquarters 



46 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

would be, and many other minor details giA'ing final instructions 
for shipping the exhibit. 

Two other circular letters were issued, one dated May 3, 
1898, and the other May 17, 18J8, keeping county superintend 
ents and exhibitors thorough].^ informed as to the progress 
made in the preparation of booths and stating the plans for 
placing the exhibits in these booths; also explaining workmen's 
passes, etc. 

Sixty-two counties responded to the call of Circular No. 1. 
These are indicated below: 

Adams, Boone, Buffalo, Burt, Butler, Cedar, Cherry, Chey- 
enne, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Custer, Dakota, Dawes, Dawson, 
Duel, Dixon, Dodge, Douglas. Dundy, Fillmore, Furnas, Fron 
tier, Gage, Gosper, Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Harlan, Hayes, 
Hitchcock, Holt, Howard, Jefferson, Johnson, Kearney, Kimball, 
Knox, Lancaster, Lincoln, Madison, Merrick, Nemaha, Nuckolls, 
Otoe, Pawnee, Phelps, Pierce, Platte, Poik, Red Willow, Richard- 
son, Rock, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Stawton, Thayer, Washing- 
ton, Wayne, Webster and York. 

The number of teacher* and pupils wao contributed for the 
exhibit from the work of city schools is 2,23G, from the rural 
schools, 322; from graded and high schools, 1,732; from state in- 
stitutions, 107; from i)rivate schools, 15. Summary of schools 
reporting: rural schools, 822; graded and high schools, 183; 
state institutions, 7; private schools, 2; total, 514. Of the pri- 
vate schools, two were represented, viz: The Lincoln Normal 
and the Omaha Commercial College. The State Chautauqua, un- 
der the management of the state secretary, exhibited an inter- 
esting line of Chautauqua work and distributed a large amount 
of reading matter. The state institutions represented tht 
University of Nebraska, Lincoln; State Normal school, Peru: 
Boys' Industrial school, Kearney; Girls' Industrial school, 
Geneva; Institution for Feeble Minded Youth, Beatrice; Insti- 
tute for the Blind, Nebraska City; School for the Deaf, Omaha. 
It is especially gratifying to note the excellent provisions that 
have been made for such efficient work to be done in our schools 
for the defectives. 

The various exhibits fully demonstrate to the public the 
high order of work that is being done in all of our educational 
institutions, from the kindergarten on up to our graded and high 



TRANS-MrSSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 47 

schools and through our great State universitj-. The State uni- 
versity exhibit occupied nearly 2,000 square feet of floor space 
and was supei-ior in all of its departments. The entire north 
side of the gallery, comprising about 10,000 square feet of floor 
space, had erected in it nineteen booths, each booth containing 
table and shelf space, together with a vast amount of wall space 
all of which was covered with work done by the pupils of the 
public schools of Nebraska. While the most of this work wass 
from the graded and high schools, there was also some excellent 
work from over three hundred rural schools. 

It was specially noticeable in this exhibit that our educa- 
tional work of the state forms a comprehensive system, with 
each part closely allied to others, with successive steps ot 
gradation, which makes it possible for the child starting out in 
the primary or kindergarten work to move forward by a succes- 
sion of steps or gradations up through the rural and graded 
schools into the high schools, and finally through the State uni- 
versity. Similar work is done in the rural schools to that done 
in the grades in our city schools. 

The exhibit has afforded an excellent opportunity for visi- 
tors to study into the plan of our educational system, and thou- 
sands from other states have taken the opportunity to visit this 
exhibit, and have expressed themselves as highly pleased with 
the work that is being done in Nebraska. The Nebraska edu- 
cational exhibit occupied over 15,000 square feet of floor space, 
and yet throughout the entire preparation of this work, quality, 
rather than quantity, was emphasized. Nebraska has the proud 
record of having the lowest per cent of illiteracy of any state 
in the union, and we feel that the character and quality of this 
educational exhibit has been in keeping with this record. 

Respectfully submitted, 

W. R. JACKSON, 

Superintendent Nebraska Educational Exhibit, 

C. W. STEWART, 

Assistant Superintendent. 



48 REPORT OP THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

To the Honorable Board Nebraska State Commission. 
Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition. 

Gentlemen : — 

I herewith submit the following report of Department ol 
Live Stock from Nebraska: 

CLASS "A."— HOKSES. 

The Horse Department was not as well filled as we hoped 
it might be (and should have been). In the Percheron "French 
jjraft," we had out a very fine showing, and in competition with 
the other states we received 26 per cent of the ribbons offered. 
Mr. Frank lams of St. Paul and Mr. M. M. Coad of Fremont 
were the only two exhibitors. They also had a few Coach and 
Hackneys. 

Thomas Andrews & Son of Cambridge, had some Welch 
Ponies which were very attractive, and were the only ones oii 
exhibition, therefore got all that was offered in the Pony Class. 

Mr. McAllister of Joy, had Jacks and Jennetts on exhibition, 
making in this department a total of forty-five head of horses 
and mules, and altogether made a splendid show for the State. 

The above named exhibitors of horses and mules were paid 
the amount set aside for the Horse Department, |1,000.0(). 

CLASS "B."— BEEF CATTLE. 

This class was very well filled, a few of each breed being 
shown, but no department of this class was filled with a full show, 
therefore could not expect to get a large per cent of the ribbons, 
but Nebraska stock usually got some as they were passed 
around. 

Shorthorns were shown by Mr. Thomas Andrews & Son, of 
Cambridge, who showed five head of very fine animals and re- 
ceived three ribbons on them. 

Herefords were shown by the folowing breeders: Mr. E. E. 
Day, Weeping Water; Mr. Thomas Mortimer, Stanton; A. F. Hu- 
waldt and E. H. Elmendorf of Lincoln. To say the Hereford 
show was simply immense, is putting it mildly. No such show of 
"white faces" was ever brought into the show ring before in 
America, and rarely, if ever, seen before. The above exhibitorti 
made a showing that themselves and the State may justly b< 
proud of, showing in this breed twenty head. 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 49 

Abei'deen Angus. — Only one herd was shown, Mr. D. W. Sy- 
ford of Lincoln, having on exhibition seven head of very good 
cattle making a creditable show, getting some ribbons in very 
strong competition. 

Bed Polled. — Mr. Sam McKelvie & Son of Fairfield, showing 
the only herd from this State, had the misfortune to have hisj 
car catch fire and burn some of his cattle, thus barring them 
from showing in several rings in which they would have been 
winners. In spite of being kept from all herd premiums they 
made eight shows and received eight ribbons, which testifies that 
they started out to hold up their end of the show for the State, 
having eleven head on exhibition. 

Galloways were shown by Mr. J. H. McAllister of Joy. 
Having nine head he made a very good show, getting 18 per cent 
of the premiums offered. 

This makes a total of fifty-two head of cattle shown in this 
department. They received $500.00, their part of the State ap- 
portionment set apart by the Commission. 

■ CLASS "C."— DAIRY CATTLE. 

Holstein-Fresians were shown by I. W. Chappell of Normal, 
and J. C. Doubt of University Place, and H. C. Glissman of 
Omaha. These breeders had twenty head and made a grand 
showing, getting 24^ per cent of all the premiums offered. Mr. 
Chappell was winner of first prize on young herd bred bj 
exhibitor, the most valuable prize offered from a breeder's stand- 
point. 

Of Jerseys there were only eight head shown, but they madt 
a very creditable exhibit. Mr. E. E. Day, of Weeping Water, 
and Mr. H. C. Young, of Lincoln, were the exhibitors. 

Brown Swiss were shown by Nixon & Laughlin of Auburn. 
They made a very fine show of eight head and captured 20 per 
cent of the premiums offered in spite of strong competition. 

This makes a total of thirty-six head of cattle in the Dairy 
Department. They received |500.00, their part of the State ap- 
portionment set apart by the Commission. 

CLASS "D."— SWINE. 

Poland Chinas were shown by the following breeders : — 

J. Mandlebaum of Blue Hill exhibited 6 head. 

S. McKelvie & Son, Fairfield " 1 " 



50 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

E. H. Andrews, Kearnev exhibited 1 head. 

C. H. Beethe, Elk Creek •' 1 

John Blain, Pawnee City " 3 

E. E. Day, Weeping Water " 3 

P. J. Gossard, Friend " 3 

Mr. Watts, Waterloo " 13 

John O'Connell, Malcolm " 9 

Dawson Bros. & Co., Endicott •' 13 

William Uhe & Son, Papillion " 11 

D. S. Rouse, Grand Island " 4 

making a total of 68 

Poland Chinas being the larger class in swine no one partj 
or State can expect to get a very large per cent of the premiums, 
but the above exhibitors made a good show, getting 14 per cent 
of the ribbons offered, which speaks well for Nebraska breeders. 

Mr. J. AV. Townley had the only herd of "Berkshires" from 
the State, seven head, but made a very good show, and got 10 
'')er cent of the premiums offered. 

Chester Whites were shown by Vanderslice Bros, of Cheney. 
They had eleven head and got 12 per cent of the premiums, 
making a very good show. 

Durock Jerseys were shown by Mr. C. H. Searle of Edgar, 
W. A Shinn of Pawnee City and W. H. Taylor & Sons of Lincoln 
having altogether fiftj'-one head of this breed. They captured 
70 per cent of all cash premiums offered. This makes one of 
the g-reatest shows ever made from any one State in this breed, 
Mr. L-5earle alone getting over 30 per cent of the money offered. 

Of Essex only one herd of thirteen head was shown from 
Nebraska by Mr. L. E. Mahan of Malcolm. Although the com- 
petitii. n was very strong, Mr. Mahan came out with 35 per cent 
of the premiums for his herd. 

Yt^rkshires were shown by Mr. E. M. Wolcott of Archer. 
He had eighteen head and won 14 per cent of the prizes offered. 

Thiij makes a total of 168 head of swine of all breeds, and 
taking tliem all together they made a grand display of good 
animals. The above exhibitors received the amount set aside 
for swine, $1,000.00. 

CLASS "E"— SHIEP. 
Sh" 'p were also shown by Mr. Chas Bal jnger of Lexington, 
Chas. Cook, Cyrus and Robert Taylor, in the Shropshire Class. 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 51 

Mr. Ballenger showed some very superior sheep and received 
about 40 per cent of the premiums. 

Mr. Cook showed some excellent French Merinoes which 
were very attractive. 

This makes a total in the different departments as follows: 

Class "A" Horses and Muels 45 head, received $1,000.00 

Class "B" Beef Cattle .52 " '' 500 00 

Class "C" Dairv Cattle 36 " " 500.00 

Class "D" Swine 168 " " 1,000.00 

Class "E" Sheep 45 " " 250.00 



$3,250.00 

Hoping this report will meet with your approval, I am 

Very respectfully, 

Signed: WM. FOSTER, 

Superintendent Live Stock. 



Mr. President and Members of the Nebraska Commission: 

1 beg to submit the following rejjort of my doings as Super- 
intendent of the Dairy Department of the Nebraska Exhibit. 
When entering upon my duties, I found some misunderstanding 
existed between Mr. Hardt of the department of Exhibits and 
your body as to the space and its condition that I should occupy. 
After spending considerable time I learned that I was privileged 
to do just as the department dictated; that the plans that I ex- 
pected to use in making an exhibit of Nebraska dairy products 
could not be used; that I must use such space as they prepared 
and that the dairy supplies and machinery could not be exhibited 
in the Dairy Building. This I regarded as most unfortunate 
and it has proven so to the dairy interest. After passing 
through the long drawn siege of imperfect refrigeration, there- 
by losing the best and most available products, we arranged 
with Mr. W. A. Carpenter of York, the only creamery man in 
Nebraska willing to undertake the work, to furnish and install 
a display. This was to be representative of a day's work of a 
first-class Nebraska creamery and should present samples of ah 
the various kinds and sizes of commercial butter packages, as 
follows: Butter in various stages of churning, showing the 
effect of temperature; one churning salted and washed; one in 



52 REPORT OF THE NEBRASKA BOARD, 

granules in a creamery size churn of glass; a display of filled 
packages of all commercial sizes and shapes representing the 
methods of packing demanded by the principal butter markets, 
of the United State, also a general display of prints in commer- 
cial cases and labels and a large display of tubs, open, closed and 
stripped. 

That this showing has been a success I have every reasoi. 
to believe, from the universal commendation of visiting cream- 
ery men from all parts of the United States. The cheese dis- 
play has been continuous during the exhibit, and we have reasoii 
to believe has been an eye-opener to a great many people, and 
has gone far to dispel the prevalent opinion that good cheese can- 
not be made in Nebraska. We cut and gave away in small 
quantities as samples about 300 pounds of cheese. We adver- 
tised the manufacturer and exhibit by handsome placards, and 
if they follow up the noteriety gained in a business way it must 
certainly boom cheese making in Nebraska. 

Unfortunately the drj' summer cut short the amount of but- 
ter made by our creameries. The result was they found it im- 
possible to take enough of their product from their trade to 
make a display and as they represented, "when the demand ex- 
ceeded the supply, there was no incentive to advertise." 

Unfortunately there has been some misunderstanding 
among the butter makers regarding the competitive exhibit, 
which in connection with the active market demand was suf- 
ficient to keep the entries from Nebraska astonishingly low. 

On the 11th of October, Dairy Day was observed at the 
building. Your Superintendent was one of the committee who 
had charge of the same. Invitations to be present and take part 
were extended to all the most prominent dairy men of the Trans- 
Mississippi country and their presence gave assurance of a most 
successful meeting. 

Ex-Governor Hoard, of Wisconsin, who was to have made 
the principal address, disappointed us at the last moment, but 
we had others to take his place. The entertainments of guests 
devolved upon your Superintendent and seventy-four invited 
guests were taken to the Markel cafe to luncheon, after which 
the meeting was called to order in the Dairy Building. Ad 
dresses were delivered by Hon. W. A. Poynter, Professor Haeck- 
er, Henry Wallace and Hon. D. L. Gates, Dairy Commissioner 



TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION. 53 

of Iowa, who, while speaking, was suddenly overcome and ex- 
pired on the floor. This unfortunate circumstance abruptly end- 
ed what would have been a very interesting and profitable meet- 
ing, a full report of which will be published iu the Nebraska 
Dairymen's Report of 1898. 

In the matter of butter exhibits from Nebraska the number 
of exhibitors was disappointing but the quality of that exhib- 
ited was, as a whole, fully equal to that from other states. 

On a basis of 100 points for perfection the highest score 
made by any exhibit was 98 points while exhibits from Nebras- 
ka scored 97J. On cheese Nebraska was more fortunate and 
secured the highest score, 96 points over all, Minnesota, Wiscon- 
sin, Iowa and Kansas competing. 

That we have failed to expend all the money set aside for 
our use, is explained in the beginning of this report; but we be- 
lieve that the interests of Nebraska have been well served by 
making a smaller display since no other state attempted to put 
in any general exhibit. 

We cannot close this report without thanking the Ne- 
braska Commission and its employees for the uniform kindness 
and courtesy shown us at all times. 

Respectfully submitted, 

B. R. STOUFFER, 

Superintendent. 
MRS. L. R. HAYES, 

Assistant. 

Nov. 1, 1898. 

While the Nebraska exhibit was not competitive, the Sup- 
erintendent, of the department of which the Dairy exhibit was a 
part, has recommended that a special Gold Medal be awarded 
the Nebraska exhibit for its general excellence. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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